Academic Comparison between Penn State Altoona and Penn State Harrisburg

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Pennsylvania

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more expensive tuition & fees ($26,668) than Penn State Altoona ($26,668).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State Harrisburg than Penn State Altoona.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has a higher submitted SAT score (1,160) than Penn State Altoona (1,160).
  • Penn State Harrisburg has higher submitted ACT score (24) than Penn State Altoona (24).
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more students with 4,572 students while Penn State Altoona has 2,577 students.
  • Penn State Altoona has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Penn State Harrisburg's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more full-time faculties with 240 faculties while Penn State Altoona has 202 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoonavs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg
Altoona, PennsylvaniaLocationMiddletown, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Carnegie Classification
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
71%% Receiving Financial Aid70%
$10,140Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,114
97.00 %Acceptance Rates96.00 %
11.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.00 %
1,160SAT Score1,210
24ACT Score28
16 %Graduation Rate24 %
47 %Transfer-out Rate45 %
77 %Retention Rate80 %
2,577Student Population4,572
202Number of Faculties240
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services